Layer-Practice.jpg1st Example of Layers ... Took a picture of my daughter and then, after initializing the layer tool by clicking on "window - Layers" I created four layers (shortcut tool on the bottom of the layer tool box). The first is the actual picture. This I locked. Then on the second layer I used the pencil tool to outline the flower held in her hand. I used the swatch tool to recolor the flower. On the third layer I used the "type tool" to write "May You Always Find Beauty in Life." Then, on the fourth layer I used the "blob tool" to create an arrow and the "type tool" to express what had been outlined in the picture.
Layer-Practice-2.jpg2nd Example of using layers. Took an image of the ocean and locked as first layer. Then took a separate image of the sun, stretched across upper portion of first layer and then locked. On third layer drew a picture of a boat sailing on the ocean.

Directions-2.jpg
I have to admit, I usually use Publisher (and utilizng Paint to "clip" what portions I really want to use) to do things like this... I could see the value in using Illustrator if I needed to lock layers.